Two of Nigeria’s standout Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, have been shortlisted for the 2025 CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award, highlighting another stellar year for Nigerian women’s football.
Their nominations followed their critical roles in Nigeria’s successful campaign at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.
The list, released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, recognised top performers across African women’s football from January to mid-October 2025.
Also representing Nigeria is goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who earned a nod in the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category.
Nnadozie recently gained international acclaim after placing fourth in the Yashin Trophy rankings at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards.
CAF confirmed that the nominees were selected based on their performances in domestic leagues, continental tournaments, and international fixtures.
Panels comprising technical experts, legends of the game, and select journalists contributed to the selection process.
Beyond individual players, Bayelsa Queens were named among the 10 clubs vying for Women’s Club of the Year, while Nigeria’s senior national team and the U-17 side were both nominated in the National Team of the Year category.
Two Nigerian coaches also made the cut: Justin Madugu, currently with the Super Falcons, and Bankole Olowookere, who leads the U-17 girls’ team.
In the youth category, Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Bayelsa Queens) earned a nomination for Young Player of the Year, underscoring Nigeria’s strong talent pipeline.
The CAF Awards ceremony, where winners will be officially unveiled, is scheduled to hold later this year.
